Riverside Natural Health Clinic
Riverside Natural Health Clinic
Melissa Smith Natural Health Practitioner
As a Natural Health Practitioner I am committed to bringing you the quality of life you deserve. I studied massage at the Atlantic college of Therapeutic Massage, where I treated athletes with the UNB Reds, The Fredericton Fall Classic, and the World Junior Championships. That training led me to work In Saskatoon, Saskatchewan at the prestigious Delta Bessborrough Spa. Since then I have went on to complete certifications in Reflexology and Indian Head Massage from the Atlantic school of Reflexology. Certified through the Natural Health Practitioners of Canada. With my extensive training I can assess and treat a range of Muscular, Lymphatic and Nervous dysfunctions. Please book an appointment today 273-2772.
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Available Monday- Friday 8:30-1:30Wednesday’s 12:00-5:30
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My Treatments
A Unique Approach
Lymphatic drainage
Lymphatic Drainage, A form of gentle massage, fosters the drainage of lymph, a clear to white fluid made up of white blood cells and chyle.
Manual drainage is manipulation of the lymphatic system, which is a vital part of the immune system. This network of ducts, vessels, nodes and organs transports lymph to the different parts of the body. In the event that the system is blocked, certain areas – such as the arms and legs – can swell.
This occurrence is known as lymphedema, or the build-up of lymph in the soft tissues.
Lymphatic drainage operates on the following : rhythmic movement and hand pressure. It helps eliminate swelling by facilitating the movement of ‘stuck’ lymph back to the heart for circulation.
It is characterized by swelling and discomfort on or near the affected areas. It can manifest during puberty and adulthood, although it is highly common in patients who have undergone breast surgery (mastectomy.) It occurs due to the removal of breast or axillary lymph nodes.
It is also indicated for lymphedema in the legs. This case usually takes place after prostate, bladder, colon or melanoma surgery. Lymphedema can also develop following infection, radiation treatment or surgery.
Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage.
Since it stimulates lymph flow, it helps enhance the immune system. By delivering more antigens to the lymph nodes, massage can relieve the symptoms of several diseases, such as sinusitis, bronchitis, tonsillitis and laryngitis.
It can also relieve pain. In cases such as fibromyalgia, it can remove the stagnant fluid that can affect pain receptors. It can also reduce muscle spasms, which can also cause wide-scale muscular pain.
Indian Head Massage
Indian Head Massage, While focusing on the head, IHM also targets upper back, shoulders, upper arms, neck, and face.This is an extremely successful therapy that combines energy based pressure points with massage techniques.
Physical benefits include whole body relaxation, relief of muscle tension, increase of oxygen in tissues, increase of circulation and toxin release and the most important benefit; Stimulation of the hair follicles. This encourages a healthy environment for hair growth and regrowth and relief of multiple hair disorders. IHM will also provide relief for earache, eye strain, tinnitus, tension headaches, sinusitis and along with upper body tension, pain or numbness.
Indian head massage plays a big role in mental health.
The increase in blood flow and oxygen to the head improves concentration, mental clarity, energy and stress relief. This in turn creates a huge decrease in depression, anxiety, energy blockages and insomnia. The application of emotional well being through the power of touch and relaxation can change a persons whole outlook on life and anyone can benefit from this therapy.
Myofascial Release & Stretching
Myofascial release is a type of physical therapy often used to treat myofascial pain syndrome. Myofascial pain syndrome is a chronic pain disorder caused by sensitivity and tightness in your myofascial tissues. These tissues surround and support the muscles throughout your body. In treatment for Myofascial Release the use of dry- broad contact push and pull of tissues will be used to relax tissues.
Sinusitis Therapy
The sinuses are a network of small, hollow cavities inside the skull. They sit behind the cheekbones and forehead, opening into the nasal cavity.
Tissues inside the sinuses produce mucus, which ordinarily drains into the nose. Sometimes, these tissues become inflamed and swell with fluid. Inflamed sinuses cannot drain properly, allowing mucus and other fluids to build up in the nose. This buildup results in nasal congestion.
Sinus massage uses gentle pressure and heat from the fingers to release mucus buildup in the sinuses along with the application of LD techniques to drain all fluid from the face and offer instant relief.
Facial Sculpting
Using moderate pressure to engage the facial tissue and by manipulating the facial lymph nodes, the practitioner manually re shapes the face to reduce swelling in the jawline, cheekbones and eyes.
Percussion Therapy
By using a repetitive technique that overwhelms the tissues senses forcing it to relax, Percussion massage loosens muscle and fascia, increases range of motion and flexibility, and decrease soreness and stiffness while keeping the muscles active. Benefits of percussion techniques
Increased metabolism
Increased ROM
Improved vascularization
Release of trigger points
Reduction of fascia densification, scar tissue and calcifications
Conditions that can benefit from vibration therapy:
(degenerative joint disease)
Back or disc pain
Muscle, ligament and tendon injuries
Sprains and strains
Post-surgical patients
Scarring
Soft tissue trauma
Carpal & Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Epicondylitis ulnar/radial, epicondylosis
Tenosynovitis
Myofascial pain syndromes
Peripheral nerve entrapment
Thoracic outlet syndrome
De Quervain’s tenosynovitis
Musculoskeletal disorders (RSI)
Chronic tendinosis
Calcification (e.g. rotator cuff)
Bursitis (trochanter, shoulder, knee, etc.)
Runner’s knee
Achilles tendon pain
Plantar fasciitis
Shin splint
Reflexology
Reflexology is the application of pressure to areas on the feet, hands, face or body that correspond to organs and systems of the body. Pressure applied to the points induces relaxation and healing to the corresponding part of the body.
All techniques can be altered to accommodate any patient at any age and can be preformed over clothing. Your comfort is top priority.
